Pennsylvania Ambush Bug
Phymata pennsylvanica
This record describes Phymata pennsylvanica (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Phymata pennsylvanica: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phymata_pennsylvanica.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Phymatinae
- Genus
- Phymata (Jagged Ambush Bugs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
primarily east of the Mississippi River from so. Canada to FL and west over the Ozark Plateaue. US & adjacent Canada [ map ]
Seasonal Activity
very common during summer months
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phymata pennsylvanica Handlirsch 1897
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phymata pennsylvanica. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pennsylvania Ambush Bug (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Ambush Bug
How big is Pennsylvania Ambush Bug?
♂ 7.7–8.7 mm, ♀ 9.0–9.6 mm
Where is Pennsylvania Ambush Bug found?
Range: primarily east of the Mississippi River from so. Canada to FL and west over the Ozark Plateaue. US & adjacent Canada [ map ]
When is Pennsylvania Ambush Bug active?
Pennsylvania Ambush Bug: seasonal activity - very common during summer months.